Being abducted and held captive by the Taliban isn't a tale many survive to tell. An American doctor shares the harrowing story about the four days he spent with his captors after being abducted on a humanitarian mission and his incredible rescue by SEAL Team Six.
On December 5, 2012, American medical doctor Dilip Joseph and two colleagues are driving back to Kabul, Afghanistan, after serving villagers that morning at a rural clinic. Suddenly a man waving an AK-47 blocks their path. More armed men jump out of hiding. For Dilip, it is the beginning of a nightmare—he’s being kidnapped by the Taliban.
Dilip recounts his story with chilling detail, transporting the reader to rural Afghanistan. “As we walk, I fear the worst—that when we reach the top, they will shoot us. God, however this is going to end, please don’t let them torture me to death. Let it be one shot and done.”
Dilip and his friends endure a nine-hour march into the mountains, gruesome images of torture and death, and repeated threats of execution. After four days of uncertainty, gunfire announces the arrival of Navy SEAL Team Six, the elite group of soldiers that took down al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden. SEAL team member Nicolas D. Checque loses his life in the rescue, as do the Taliban kidnappers.
Yet this is more than a story of desperation, survival, and loss. It is also a tale of surprising connection, compassion, and inspiration. As Dilip begins to view the Taliban not as monsters but as men, both he and his captors are challenged to re-examine everything that matters: courage, sacrifice, hope, and faith. The book includes:
- First-hand account of a Taliban kidnapping survivor
- Insights into the Taliban's daily existence
- Insights into the sacrifices made by the American armed forces
- Includes a glossary and map of Afghanistan
Kidnapped by the Taliban is a story of both terror and triumph. After reading this dramatic and inspiring account, you will never view Afghanistan or the Taliban in the same way again.
Back Cover Copy:
"Am I About to Die?"
OnDecember 5, 2012, American medical doctor Dilip Joseph and two colleagues aredriving back to Kabul, Afghanistan, after serving villagers that morning at arural clinic. Suddenly a man waving an AK-47 blocks their path. More armed menjump out of hiding. For Dilip, it is the beginning of a nightmare-he's being kidnappedby the Taliban.
Dilip and his friends endure anine-hour march into the mountains, gruesome images of torture and death, andrepeated threats of execution. Four days later Dilip is freed in a daring anddeadly rescue that claims the life of a SEAL Team Six operator. Yet this ismore than a story of desperation, survival, and loss. It is also a tale ofsurprising connection, compassion, and inspiration. As Dilip begins to view theTaliban not as monsters but as men, both he and his captors are challenged toreexamine everything that matters: courage, sacrifice, hope, and faith.
Flap Copy:
Witha jerk of his rifle, the leader points up the mountain on the left. There is nopath. I look higher and see more armed men at the top of a hill about twohundred feet above us.
Apprehensionsurges up in me like black oil from a well. These aren't ordinary robbers. Thisis too systematic.
I'vebeen kidnapped by the Taliban.
Aswe walk, I fear the worst-that when we reach the top, they will shoot us. God, however this is going to end, pleasedon't let them torture me to death. Let it be one shot and done.
Itis amazing how quickly everything we take for granted can be ripped away. Inthe space of a few minutes, I have lost all control of my life. All I can do istake a step, draw a breath, and hope I will be given the chance for another.
Step.
Breathe.
Hope.
Kidnapped by the Taliban is a story of both terror and triumph.After reading this dramatic and inspiring account, you will never viewAfghanistan or the Taliban in the same way again.
